REDSKINS 2017 Team Mock Draft

April 26, 2017

This may be a very telling year for the ‘Skins in the Draft. With the team parting ways with Scott McCloughan the Draft process is pretty much back in the hands of Bruce Allen, son of the late/great Trader George. Some interesting personnel decisions have already been made this year, including the continued lack of financial commitment to QB/KIRK COUSINS. The team has a whopping 10 Picks and needs each and every one of them to supplement their dwindling roster numbers and talent base.

Round1 Pick17. HAASAN FREDDICK/ER/LB TEMPLE 6’2/237. PPR#17
The fastest rising player this off-season just happens to fill a big need on a struggling Defense. REDDICK was an edge-rusher of note entering the 2016 college season, but turned into much more with his move to LB. He can still pressure the QB, and even looked good in coverage at Senior Bowl week in Mobile. Had 22.5 TFL last season, including 10.5 Sacks. He also had 4 PBU & 1 Int to show how quickly he is catching on to coverage responsibilities. Should be an immediate starter for the team and an upgrade for the LB crew.

Round2 Pick49 TACO CHARLTON/DE MICHIGAN STATE6’6/277 PPR#47
A late bloomer at Michigan who really came to life under the HARBAUGH regime last season. Not an explosive edge-rusher but uses his length and strength to push thru blockers. Should have some serous upside and looks well suited to me for their 3-4 base scheme. 34 1/2″long arms play a big part in his success. He had 10 sacks as a senior. Most everyone I talk with expects bigger things ahead for him. Another guy who should earn a starting job as a Rookie.

Round3 Pick81 TAYLOR MOTON/OG/T WESTERN MICHIGAN 6’5/320. PPR#80
Mountain of a man, who looks best suited for an Interior OL spot. He’s really solid in pass-pro, and that’s at RT. He has big hands (10 3/4″) and long arms (34 1/8″). He should also have a chance to capture a starting role in their OL. He’s fairly athletic despite his jumbo size. At worst could act as a 3-4 position back-up as a Rookie if he can’t win a starters role.

Round4 Pick114 ArDARIUS STEWART/WR ALABAMA 5’11/205. PPR#115
Probably ‘Bama’s most reliable receiver last fall. Ran a somewhat disappointing 4.50/40 at the Combine. Had that been a 4.44 he might have been a Top 100 draftee. Pretty raw as a receiver in many ways, so patience will be key in his development as a pro. Could eventually be a No. 3 WR option, IMO. Upside is the key in his acquisition.

Round4 Pick123 JUSTIN EVANS/S TEXAS A&M 6’0/193. PPR#121
A very good value at this Pick. His biggest problem may be the fact that he tends to knock himself out of action with the ferocity of some of his hits. Wants to hit like he weighs 15 lbs. more than he actually does. Good all around athlete with an impressive resume’ at A&M. Kinda small/light for a SS in the NFL. In 2016 he had 87T-5TFL-8PBU- 4INT. He should make a nice Special Teamer as well. Must learn patience and anticipation to go with his aggressiveness.

Round5 Pick154 JALEN MYRICK/CB MINNESOTA 5’10/220. PPR#150
Myrick is the guy who surprised everyone with his blazing 4.28/40-time at the Combine.He had a solid week of work at the Shrine venue, with his aggressive nature and energy level. He was caught in a crowded CB situation with the Gophers but made the most of his senior season with 41T-12PBU- 1INT. May not be a ball hawk, per se, but has good cover skills, and ball awareness. He also likes to deliver a blow to receivers, or in run support. Should be a Special Teams ace and a good sub-package player right away. Might have a shot as a Nickel-Corner early in his career.

Round 6 Pick201 COLLIN BUCHANAN/T/G MIAMI(O) 6’5/316. PPR#200
He would be ranked even higher, after a solid career in the MAC, but he is likely to also be a better pro fit inside at OG versus his college position at OT. He has fairly short arms, at 32 3/8″, and his 5.30-40time is pretty indicative of his overall movement ability. But he’s a bruiser and a hard worker. In a short area he can handle his business against DL. He does have big hands (10 1/2″) and can lock onto DL in tight spaces. Is a natural knee bender in pass pro. Good value who may fight for a starting job in a couple of years.

Round6 Pick 209 WAYNE GALLMAN/RB CLEMSON 6’/215. PPR#203
Adding another bruising runner to their stable is a good idea. GALLMAN can do it all. He runs hard, catches well & is a solid blocker in pass-pro. He’s not a speedster, but his 4.59/40-time allows him some nice intermediate distance runs if the blocking opens up a good hole for him. Very solid value as a rotational RB in Round 6.

Round7 Pick220 GROVER STEWART/DT ALBANY STATE 64/347 PPR#220
Small-school player who indeed dominated his in his level of play. Was invited to play in the NFLPA Game and made his mark. he is naturally strong and can run a bit once he gets going. Perfect as an oversized Nose in a 3-4 scheme. For Round 7 he is worth a look because of his natural size and the fact that their DL group is rather thin right now.

Round7 Pick235 JAYON BROWN/LB UCLA 6’0/231. PPR#248
I must admit I am probably underrating him this late in the process. Had some big numbers at UCLA as a senior. He recorded 120T-7TFL-6PBU-3INT. His 4.71/40 would be OK for an ILB, but his weight indicates he’ll likely be asked to move outside. Then it doesn’t look so good. But he was so productive and is a nice athlete overall that you just can’t ignore him this late in the Draft. Could be a very pleasant surprise as your last Pick.

Looks like a very nice talent haul indeed. But I have chosen to ignore their QB position. I think they already have a better than average QB and should pay the man. But for some reason they don’t seem to value him enough to pay him Franchise QB money. So look for them to use a pick on a QB, who is not likely to surpass COUSINS in any respect.

Pigskin